G Noida starts work on 6.5-km cycle track with a scenic view

The Greater Noida authority on Thursday said it has started work on a 6.5-km cycle track project that is to be constructed along a green belt. The cycle track will connect Greater Noida’s LG traffic intersection (near the district magistrate’s office) to Gautam Buddha University, along Yamuna Expressway.

The Greater Noida authority on Thursday said it has started work on a 6.5-km cycle track project that is to be constructed along a green belt. The cycle track will connect Greater Noida’s LG traffic intersection (near the district magistrate’s office) to Gautam Buddha University, along Yamuna Expressway.

Besides offering a safe passage for cyclists, the track will also allow residents to enjoy the greenery and go on nature walks.

“The aim is to make the trail itself an attraction, by offering nature walks, cycling and much more. Horticulture department will also beautify this area by planting trees along this green belt,” Deepak Agarwal, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Greater Noida authority, said.

“This stretch will be designed with an aesthetic view, as it will run along the green belt. Pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy a hassle-free experience because no vehicle can use this stretch, which is along a drain. The idea is to transform the neglected space along the drain by providing multiple benefits to citizens,” Agarwal said.

The authority has already built a 17-km dedicated cycle track across the city to encourage use of non-motorised mode of transport. The objective is to encourage residents to cycle for a healthier living, officials said.

The authority will also build a pedestrian walkway along this cycle track. The `5-crore project is set to be ready by October.

Officials said the track was planned after demand from cycle enthusiasts in the area, which houses not only residential sectors but also industrial and institutional areas.

Officials said that the track will be routed along some parts of the Lohia drain. “The drain flows from the Dadri lake, behind LG factory, crosses SK Road, flows through Knowledge Park, then meets the other branch to flow parallel to Gautam Buddha University before becoming a part of the Hindon river,” an official said.

The Greater Noida authority, in January 2016, had constructed a 17-km cycle track, of which two kilometres is located in Knowledge Park-II, 3 kilometres in KP-III and 14 km inside GBU campus. The authority had spent `6 crores on the project.

Akhilesh Yadav, UP chief minister, has directed the authority to build cycle tracks, wherever they space is available and promote cycling, officials said.